3D Information Space for Intuitive File Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
The overwhelming amount of digital information makes it difficult for general users to find desired information quickly, as conventional search techniques are limited when dealing with large volumes of data, such as thousands to tens of thousands of files, requiring specialized skills to extract relevant information efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that represent information elements as symbols in an information space, allowing users to perform a 'loose search' by cutting out a marked-out volume, which gradually narrows down to a desired piece of information, using a space controller and drawing unit to create a visually engaging and intuitive interface, enabling users to switch between different information spaces and display formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional search techniques are used to handle large volumes of data, then the system can process thousands to tens of thousands of files, but general users cannot easily find desired information without specialized skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms traditional linear search interfaces into a three-dimensional information space where files are represented as luminous bodies positioned according to multiple attributes simultaneously. Users can navigate this 3D space by specifying ranges on three axes, enabling intuitive spatial filtering rather than sequential text-based searching. This dimensional transformation allows general users to visually comprehend and manipulate large datasets without requiring specialized search skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an information space as an intermediary layer between the user and the raw data. This virtual space acts as a mediator that translates complex data relationships into visual spatial relationships, allowing users to interact with information through natural spatial operations rather than direct data manipulation. The space controller and drawing unit work together to maintain this intermediary representation, bridging the gap between user intent and data retrieval.
2Area of stationary object
If information is displayed in traditional folder structures, then files can be organized categorically, but users cannot obtain a full view of thousands to tens of thousands of files simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat display to three-dimensional spatial representation, allowing files to be positioned and filtered along three orthogonal axes. This enables the display of vastly more files within the same physical screen area by utilizing the third dimension for additional file attributes and filtering criteria, effectively increasing the information density without requiring larger physical displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the information space into distinct regions defined by the three axes, allowing users to independently control and visualize different file attributes along each dimension. This segmentation enables simultaneous visualization of multiple file characteristics without overwhelming the display, as the space controller divides the complex dataset into manageable spatial segments that can be independently explored.
3Quantity of substance
If more information elements are represented in the information space, then the system can handle larger datasets, but the complexity of managing and navigating the information space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal information space framework that can accommodate any type of information element through a standardized three-axis coordinate system. Rather than requiring separate management systems for different data types, this multi-functional space allows diverse files to be represented and manipulated using the same spatial operations and filtering mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity despite handling large and varied datasets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages information space complexity by allowing dynamic adjustment of the three defining parameters (axes) based on the specific dataset and user needs. The space controller can modify which file attributes correspond to which axes, enabling flexible adaptation to different data types without restructuring the entire system. This parameter variability allows the same framework to efficiently manage diverse information elements with minimal complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
Files such as musical pieces are represented in symbols such as a star, and are clustered based on the attribute of each file so as to be allocated in an information space. An impression, such as “refreshing”, on the musical piece corresponding to the file is represented and given in the form of emotion. The initial search for a file is carried out by roughly cutting out a marked-out space. When narrowed down, the file is linearly developed so as to support a user selection.